If the ugly brownish-grey gloom hanging over Boise wasn’t hint enough, Gov. Butch Otter has now declared disaster emergencies in five Idaho counties due to wildfires. The five, Cassia, Idaho, Nez Perce, Owyhee and Twin Falls counties, are the ones that have officially contacted the governor’s office and requested such declarations, which clear the way for state aid if necessary.

“Federal, state and local help has been mobilizing since last week,” Otter said. “Now that county leaders have reviewed the situation, we’re ready to provide all the assistance we can to folks damaged or at risk from the fires. All over the state, Idahoans are pulling together to protect their homes and property. The state is committed to supporting those local efforts.”

The National Interagency Fire Center reports today that Idaho has 14 major fires burning on 828,169 acres – the most, by far, of any state.

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